Mercedes-Benz unveiled the 2015 S-Class Sedan, a vehicle designed to not only meet but exceed the expectations of luxury car enthusiasts worldwide. Built upon three core engineering principles – “Intelligent Drive,” “Efficient Technology,” and “Essence of Luxury” – this model pushed technological boundaries and solidified its position as a leader in automotive innovation. The 2015 S-Class was more than just a new car; it was a statement of Mercedes-Benz’s unwavering commitment to “the best or nothing,” a philosophy that permeates every aspect of this flagship sedan. This dedication to excellence is evident in every detail, from the meticulously crafted interior to the groundbreaking safety and technology features.
Design Philosophy: A Synthesis of Sportiness and Sensual Clarity
The design of the 2015 Mercedes-benz S-class Sedan embodies a modern interpretation of status and luxury. It instantly recognizable as a Mercedes-Benz, carrying the brand’s iconic design DNA forward while embracing contemporary aesthetics. Gorden Wagener, Head of Design, aptly described the S-Class design as “a modern embodiment of sensual clarity,” drawing a connection to the elegant vehicles of the 1930s.
The front grille of the 2015 S-Class is larger and more upright, projecting an aura of effortless superiority and leadership. Its long hood, flowing roofline, and gently sloping rear create classic sedan proportions, exuding prestige and hinting at the car’s sporty character. The signature “Dropping Line,” a subtle character line along the side, adds dynamic elegance even when stationary. The interplay of convex and concave surfaces creates a powerful and elongated silhouette, balancing excitement with serene composure. A pronounced shoulder line above the rear wheels further emphasizes the vehicle’s athletic stance.
The rear design seamlessly integrates with the flowing lines of the sides. The slightly slanting rear form is not just elegant but also aerodynamically efficient. Horizontal lines across the trunk lid and bumper accentuate the car’s width, while the rear windscreen, cutting into the C-pillars, adds a touch of coupé-like sophistication. The newly designed tail lights, fully integrated into the body, are a testament to meticulous craftsmanship, completing the design with exquisite detail.
LED Technology: Illuminating the Future of Automotive Lighting
The 2015 S-Class marked a significant milestone in automotive lighting, becoming the world’s first car to eliminate traditional light bulbs entirely, embracing a full LED system for both interior and exterior illumination. This bold move solidified Mercedes-Benz’s pioneering role in lighting technology. The intelligent multi-level functionality of the lighting system is another world-first, with brake light intensity automatically reducing at night or in traffic to minimize glare for drivers behind. Nearly 500 LEDs illuminate the 2015 S-Class, encompassing:
- Up to 56 LEDs per headlamp, providing exceptional visibility.
- Up to 35 LEDs per tail light, plus 4 for the rear fog lamp, ensuring clear signaling.
- Approximately 300 LEDs for the interior, including ambient lighting, creating a luxurious and comfortable cabin environment.
Enhanced visibility is further supported by improved Adaptive Highbeam Assist and Night View Assist PLUS systems. Utilizing a new stereo camera and multi-stage radar sensors, the 2015 S-Class achieves 360-degree vision, enhancing hazard detection on the road.
Suspension Innovation: MAGIC BODY CONTROL – Eyes on the Road Ahead
Setting another world-first, the 2015 S-Class introduced ROAD SURFACE SCAN in conjunction with MAGIC BODY CONTROL suspension. This innovative system uses a stereo camera to proactively detect road imperfections ahead. Upon detecting bumps or uneven surfaces, MAGIC BODY CONTROL instantaneously adjusts the suspension to optimize ride comfort.
While MAGIC BODY CONTROL was an optional upgrade, the 2015 S-Class standard suspension included the continuously adaptive damping system ADS PLUS and an enhanced AIRMATIC full air suspension, ensuring a smooth and controlled ride in all conditions.
Interior Design: A Sanctuary of Calm and Sophisticated Elegance
The interior of the 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan is designed as a sanctuary of visual breadth and serene solidity, embodying classic saloon elegance with cutting-edge design. Horizontal lines and elements create a sense of spaciousness and calm, while the fluid and sensuous styling adds a touch of expressive character. High-quality materials and refined elegance are seamlessly integrated with clarity and functionality, resulting in an interior that prioritizes ride comfort, spaciousness, and user-friendliness.
The harmonious use of materials and colors creates an exclusive ambiance. Extensive wood trim adorns the dashboard and center console, complemented by metallized switch surfaces with pearl-effect paint finishes in various shades to match the interior color scheme, highlighting the exceptional quality.
Rear passengers are treated to a first-class experience, with seat design, door panels, and controls mirroring the high standards of the front cabin. Rear seat packages offered further individualization, including a Business center console with added storage, a folding table, and two-place seating, blending personal comfort with practical convenience.
Command and Control: The New Elegant Command Center
The 2015 S-Class features a state-of-the-art information center comprised of two high-resolution 12.3-inch TFT color displays in an 8:3 format. The left display replaces the traditional instrument cluster, providing essential driving information, while the right display allows for intuitive control of infotainment and comfort functions. This dual-screen setup reflects the increasing integration of vehicle functions and prioritizes ergonomics, user-friendliness, safety, and aesthetic appeal.
The control and display design philosophy centers around grouping related functions for both aesthetic and functional coherence. Beyond the new displays, metallized switch surfaces and solid aluminum controls enhance the premium feel. The rotary pushbutton remains the primary control, supplemented by direct access keys on the center console for frequently used functions and a toolbar for driving assistance systems. Voice control is enhanced with the Enhanced Voice Control System, allowing for complete address input in a single command and voice control of phone and audio systems. A new feature includes the ability to have text messages and emails read aloud.
Climate Control: Creating the Perfect In-Cabin Atmosphere
The climate control system in the 2015 S-Class was comprehensively refined, focusing on performance, air quality, precise regulation, noise reduction, and efficiency. The optional AIR-BALANCE package introduces perfume atomization, ionization, and enhanced filtration compared to the standard system. Rear automatic climate control gains two additional zones for improved thermal comfort. A novel feature is electric heating for the armrests and center consoles, further enhancing passenger comfort.
The “active perfuming system,” a world-first, is part of the AIR-BALANCE package. This system allows for manual activation and intensity adjustment of fragrance atomization, individualizing the cabin scent without permanently altering the interior smell or depositing perfume molecules on surfaces. The fragrance is designed to be subtle, mild, and quickly dissipating.
Seating: Mobile Office and Wellness Oasis
Mercedes-Benz elevated seating comfort in the 2015 S-Class to new heights with world-first features such as the ENERGIZING massage function based on hot-stone principles and active seat ventilation with reversing fans. Rear seat comfort received particular attention, with four rear seat variants available, including an Executive seat with a backrest adjustable up to 43.5 degrees.
The ENERGIZING massage function, inspired by hot-stone therapy, is a unique feature with 14 independently controlled air cushions in the backrest and integrated heating. Six massage programs are available, two incorporating heat, and the function is also available for rear seats.
Active seat ventilation employs reversing fans for the first time. Upon activation, cooler ambient air is drawn onto the seat surface, rapidly reducing the temperature of heated seats. After four minutes, the fans switch to blower mode to minimize drafts.
Four seat variants are offered, with luxury and reclining seat options featuring adjusted kinematics. The backrest adjusts separately, maintaining legroom and seat reference point. The seat cushion is also independently adjustable for angle and horizontal position. The Executive Rear Seat Package offers a maximum backrest angle of 43.5 degrees, the largest in the luxury segment, along with a calf support adjustable for length and angle, and a heel rest on the front passenger seat, creating a reclined position for exceptional sleeping and resting comfort. The Executive Rear Seat Package PLUS extends the front console to the rear, incorporating thermo-cup holders and folding tables, enhancing functionality and luxury.
Multimedia and Audio: A Concert Hall on Wheels
The 2015 S-Class debuts a new generation of multimedia with intuitive operation, enhanced by visualizations and animations. The multi-user system allows independent access to media sources from any seat. The Frontbass system, a Mercedes-Benz innovation, integrates woofers into the firewall, utilizing the cross-member and side member as resonance chambers, freeing up door space and improving sound quality.
Two premium audio systems developed with Burmester are available: the Burmester® Surround Sound system and the Burmester® High-End 3D-Surround Sound system, transforming the cabin into a mobile concert hall. The navigation system features interactive content presentation, including an animated compass, “Driveshow” passenger information, and Google Maps display on both front and rear screens. Traffic information is displayed with hatched lines for clearer visualization.
Body and Structure: Lightweight Strength and Stability
The bodyshell of the 2015 S-Class prioritizes crash safety, rigidity for handling, and minimized noise and vibration. It utilizes a third-generation aluminum hybrid bodyshell, improving lightweight index (torsional stiffness to weight and size ratio) by 50% compared to its predecessor. The aluminum hybrid construction, refined since the 220 model series, increases aluminum content to over 50%, maintaining or slightly reducing body weight despite increased safety and comfort requirements. Structural foams are strategically used in node areas. The entire outer skin, including roof and front section, is aluminum. High-strength steel is used extensively in the safety passenger cell.
Intelligent Drive: Networked Senses for Enhanced Safety and Comfort
Under the “Intelligent Drive” philosophy, the 2015 S-Class integrates numerous new and enhanced assistance systems, merging comfort and safety. These systems rely on a shared sensor system including a new stereo camera and multi-stage radar sensors, providing 360-degree awareness. Prof. Thomas Weber emphasized this comprehensive vision, stating, “Figuratively speaking, the new S-Class doesn’t just have eyes at the front, it has 360-degree all-round vision.” Sensor fusion, the networking of all systems, is key to comprehensive protection for vehicle occupants and other road users.
Assistance functions range from driver support and comfort enhancement to warnings and emergency intervention. Notable new and improved systems include:
- DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist: Provides steering input to keep the vehicle centered in the lane.
- BAS PLUS with Cross-Traffic Assist: Detects crossing traffic and pedestrians, enhancing braking power.
- Active Lane Keeping Assist: Detects occupied adjacent lanes and oncoming traffic, mitigating unintentional lane departure risk.
- Adaptive Highbeam Assist: Allows permanent high beams without dazzling other drivers.
- Night View Assist PLUS: Improved with a thermal imaging camera, highlighting pedestrians and animals in darkness, and featuring a spotlight function to alert pedestrians.
- ATTENTION ASSIST: Expanded speed range and enhanced drowsiness detection, providing fatigue status and break time recommendations.
Extended PRE-SAFE® Protection: Proactive Safety Measures
Building upon the groundbreaking PRE-SAFE® system, the 2015 S-Class introduces enhanced PRE-SAFE® functions for collision prevention and occupant protection.
- PRE-SAFE® Brake: Detects pedestrians and initiates autonomous braking at speeds up to 31 mph.
- PRE-SAFE® PLUS: Recognizes imminent rear-end collisions, applies vehicle brakes to minimize whiplash and secondary accident risks, and deploys reversible belt tensioners.
- PRE-SAFE® Impulse: Controlled seat belt release during frontal collisions to reduce chest pressure and injury severity.
Setting Rear Seat Safety Standards
Mercedes-Benz further enhances rear seat passenger safety with features like the seat belt buckle extender, beltbag, and cushionbag, included in the Rear Seat Package. The illuminated seat belt buckle extender automatically extends and retracts for easier fastening and reduced belt slack. The beltbag, an inflatable seat-belt strap, reduces ribcage injury risk in frontal collisions. The cushionbag, standard with Executive Rear Seat Packages, prevents submarining (sliding under the seat belt) in reclined seats during accidents, enhancing safety in comfortable reclining positions.
2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan: Model Portfolio and Pricing
The 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan lineup offered a range of models to suit diverse preferences and performance needs:
- MY2015 S550: $94,400
- MY2015 S550 4MATIC: $97,400
- MY2015 S600: $166,900
- MY2015 S63 AMG 4MATIC: $141,450
- MY2015 S65 AMG: $222,000
- MY2016 Mercedes-Maybach S600 Sedan: “around $200,000” (launching Spring 2015)
Standard and Optional Equipment Highlights (S550)
Standard Equipment Highlights:
- COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS
- MAGIC VISION CONTROL
- Burmester Surround Sound System
- LED Ambient Lighting with 7 colors, 5 dimming levels, and 4 dimming zones
- Touchpad for COMAND System
- Air Balance Package: Fragrance, ionization, and filtration
Optional Equipment Highlights:
- MAGIC BODY CONTROL: Road surface scan and adaptive suspension adjustment.
- ENERGIZING massage function: Hot-stone principle seat massage.
- Rear Seat Package: Rear seatbelt airbags, PRE-SAFE® Rear, 4-Zone Climate Control, electrically adjustable footrest, extended front passenger seat movement.
- Warmth & Comfort Package: Heated steering wheel, armrests, and active ventilated rear seats, power and memory rear seats.
- New generation Driver Assistance Package: Enhanced Active Lane Keeping Assist, DISTRONIC PLUS® with Steering Assist & BAS PLUS® with Cross-Traffic Assist, PRE-SAFE Brake® with Pedestrian Recognition.
- New generation Active Parking Assist: Semi-automatic curbside parking.
Model Positioning and Competition
The 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan was positioned as the pinnacle of the Mercedes-Benz brand, representing industry-leading luxury and innovation. Its refined interior, groundbreaking comfort, entertainment, and safety technologies, along with efficient drive concepts, set it apart in the luxury segment.
Main Competitors:
- BMW 7 Series
- Audi A8
- Lexus LS
Key Safety Features
The 2015 S-Class boasted an extensive suite of safety features:
- COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS
- ATTENTION ASSIST®
- Surround View Camera
- PARKTRONIC w/Active Parking Assist
- Active Lane Keeping Assist
- DISTRONIC PLUS® with Steering Assist & BAS PLUS® with Cross-Traffic Assist
- Rear seatbelt airbags and PRE-SAFE rear active belt buckles
- PRE-SAFE Impulse (seat belt action)
- Night View Assist PLUS
- PRE-SAFE PLUS® for rear-end collision
- PRE-SAFE Brake® with Pedestrian Recognition
2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan: At a Glance
| S550 | S550 4MATIC | S600 | Mercedes-Maybach S600 | S63 AMG 4MATIC | S65 AMG | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $94,400 | $97,400 | $166,900 | “around $200k” | $141,450 | $222,000 |
| Fuel Economy (city/hwy/combined) | 17/26/20 | 16/26/19 | 12/21/15 | TBD | 15/23/18 | 13/20/15 |
| Engine | 4.6L V8 Bi-Turbo with direct injection | 4.6L V8 Bi-Turbo with direct injection | 6.0L V12 Bi-Turbo with direct injection | 6.0L V12 Bi-Turbo with direct injection | 5.5L V8 Bi-Turbo with direct injection | 6.0L V12 Bi-turbo with direct injection |
| Performance | 449 hp @ 516 lb.-ft. torque | 449 hp @ 516 lb.-ft. torque | 523 hp @ 612 lb.-ft. torque | 523 hp @ 612 lb.-ft. torque | 577 @ 664 lb.-ft. torque | 621 @ 738 lb.-ft. torque |
| 0-60 mph | 4.8 sec. | 4.8 sec. | 4.5 sec. | 5.0 sec. | 3.9 sec. | 4.2 sec. |
| Drive Configuration | RWD | All-Wheel Drive | RWD | RWD | All-Wheel Drive | RWD |
| Transmission | 7-Speed Driver- Adaptive Transmission with Sport and Comfort Shift | 7-Speed Driver- Adaptive Transmission with Sport and Comfort Shift | 7-Speed Driver- Adaptive Transmission with Sport and Comfort Shift | 7-Speed Driver- Adaptive Transmission with Sport and Comfort Shift | AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-Speed Sports Transmission | AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7- SPEED Transmission |
| Dimensions | 206.5/83.86/58.7 | 206.5/83.86/58.7 | 206.5/83.86/58.7 | TBA | 206.5/83.86/58.7 | TBA |
